Google Maps returns to iOS 6

The return of Google Maps ends a saga that began in June, when Cupertino announced that they would no longer be using Google’s mapping software for the default Maps app in iOS. Instead, they created their own, which was heavily panned soon after it was officially released in September.

Initially, it was reported that Google Maps’ reentry into iOS 6 was minimal, at best.

Given the criticism that had befallen Apple’s Maps app, it’s widely presumed that many users had been holding out on updating to iOS 6, on which the app debuted. Supposedly, these users were not so keen on using Apple’s mapping system instead of Google Maps, which it replaced rather unceremoniously.

But following the much-awaited return of Google Maps on iOS last Wednesday, Chitika found that only a small percentage of users within its mobile ad network updated to iOS 6.

Meanwhile, Dom Esposito explained how, when using a jailbreak, users could make Google Maps their default application.

MapsOpener will allow you to set Google Maps as the default maps app on your jailbroken iOS device. Whenever you click on an address or maps link in Safari, Google Maps will launch and load up the information you’ve requested. Along with that, tapping on any “Directions” links in Safari will launch turn-by-turn navigation within Google Maps instead of the list-style directions found in the iOS 5 Maps app.